Naples, Italy, is a fascinating city where organized chaos reigns. This Italian city of character has many extraordinary places to visit. Let’s explore the best things to do in Naples and the famous landmarks to see for an unforgettable vacation.
- TOP 20 things to do in Naples
- Best neighborhoods
- How many days does it take to visit Naples
- Restaurants not to be missed
- Itineraries to visit Naples in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days
TOP 20 things to do and visit in Naples
Discover the best things to do in Naples in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days.
1. Exploring the historic center of Naples
What to see? The streets not to be missed are via Tribunali, via San Gregorio Armeno, and via San Biagio dei Librai. Don’t miss Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, either. You can locate each street on Google Maps by clicking on it.
2. Visiting the Sansevero Chapel in Naples
Jewel of artistic heritage. The beauty of the place is well worth the visit. The Sansevero Chapel is one of the most visited places in Naples. Plan at least 30 minutes to visit this chapel. Admission is charged.
An incredible sculpture not to be missed! Do not miss Christ’s statue inside the chapel, whose face is finely draped with a cloth (which can sometimes be seen under the name of “Veiled Christ”). What a finesse!
3. Discovering the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Naples (Duomo)
Great variety of styles. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the great must-sees to visit in Naples. Free admission.
Good to know! It is possible to explore the crypt of the cathedral.
4. Seeing Piazza del Plebiscito (People’s Square)
Splendid! Piazza del Plebiscito is the largest and most impressive square in Naples. Among the most important monuments in the square are the Royal Palace, the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, and the equestrian statue of Carlo III di Borbone.
Good to know! Admission to the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola is free. The interior of the basilica resembles that of the Pantheon in Rome.
Visit the Royal Palace. Over time, multiple sovereigns lived in this palace, notably from the House of Bourbon-Parma and the House of Savoy. The entrance and its staircase are majestic, as well as other rooms and halls of the palace. The Royal Palace is located directly on Piazza del Plebiscito.
5. Listening to an opera at the San Carlo Theater
The interior of the theater is just impressive! Discover the San Carlo Theater program on its official website.
Not to miss! Not far from the San Carlo Theatre, take a short tour inside the San Ferdinando Church. As usual with Italian churches, we are rarely disappointed.
6. Discovering the Galleria Umberto I
What architecture! This elegant gallery is one of the essentials to visit in Naples. The height of the ceilings and the canopy are impressive.
Not to miss! Galleria Umberto I’s structure is cross-shaped. In the center, don’t miss the mosaic on the gallery floor. Here, you will find the 12 astrological signs made in mosaic.
7. Taste local specialties
What to do in Naples? Taste new things, of course! Among the local specialties of Naples are:
- rum baba
- pastry cake
- Neapolitan pizza
Discovering Neapolitan street food! This tour is an opportunity to learn more about Neapolitan street food, the historic center of Naples, and its atmosphere with a local guide. Traveler reviews are very positive: see prices and photos of this tour.
Italian cooking class! Take a two-hour workshop to prepare an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Click here for prices for the cooking workshop.
8. Visiting the San Gennaro Catacombs in Naples
1000 years of history! The San Gennaro catacombs in Naples are the most extensive in southern Italy. You will be surprised to discover underground basilicas and magnificent frescoes. Visiting the catacombs is an unusual activity to do in Naples.
Discover what lies beneath the city of Naples: see the prices to visit the catacombs of Naples.
9. Admiring a lovely view of Naples from the belvedere of the Chartreuse Saint-Martin
Visit the monastery. Chartreuse Saint-Martin is a former Carthusian monastery in Naples, on the edge of the Vomero hill. It is a must-visit during a three-day weekend in Naples.
Incredible view! From this former monastery, there is a clear view of the Bay of Naples up to Vesuvius. It is a fascinating place to visit to discover Naples from a new angle and see other city areas. Take an urban hike through the stairs of the Pedamentina. Alternatively, take a funicular up.
10. Visiting Naples Capodimonte Museum and Park
On the Capodimonte hill, the Capodimonte Museum and Park contain some pretty treasures in a residential area of Naples. The staterooms and the collections of works of art are magnificent. This is a place to visit in Naples for Art and History lovers. Locate the Capodimonte Museum on Google Maps.
11. Visiting Pompeii from Naples
A lost Roman city. Visiting Pompeii is like taking a trip back in time. You will discover the ruins of this mythical Roman city, walk through its alleys, and be able to imagine the past life of its inhabitants. A must-visit if you are going to visit Naples!
Free tour. You can visit Pompeii on your own and then buy a ticket on-site. If you visit Naples from April to October, booking your ticket online is best to avoid the queue and unpleasant surprises (see prices and available dates). We have a guide for visiting Pompeii from Naples.
Guided tour. It is also possible to visit Pompeii with an archaeologist-guide to better project yourself into the place and its history: a 2-hour guided tour.
12. Going to the top of Vesuvius
A still active volcano! Vesuvius is undoubtedly the most famous volcano in Europe. Its last eruption was in 1944. It is one of the three active volcanoes in Italy.
Guided tour + transportation. One of the most convenient options is taking a guided tour with transport. Thus, you don’t need to find out how public transport works; it is more straightforward. Some visits to Vesuvius also include a visit to Pompeii. Plan a full day for this visit. For example, this one: see the prices of the Vesuvius + Pompeii guided tour from Naples.
13. Visiting the Castel Nuovo in Naples
Symbol of the city of Naples. This magnificent medieval castle is located a stone’s throw from the port of Naples. Its imposing architecture is worth the detour. On the other hand, the visit to the interior of the castle is an optional visit to do in Naples. If you are short on time, choose other visits, but still come and discover the castle from the outside.
14. Strolling along the waterfront to Naples’ Castel dell’Ovo (Castle of the Egg)
A nice view of Naples. The Castel dell’Ovo in Naples is freely accessible, but the hours are limited. This castle is the oldest in Naples. It is a fascinating place to visit in Naples to discover the city almost from the waters. A lovely walk to do in Naples to mark your trip!
15. Visiting the ancient Roman city: Herculaneum
Ancient Roman city. Herculaneum was a charming little Roman town at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano. It was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, so it is another archaeological site to visit in Naples.
Good to know. During peak season, this site is crowded. Buying tickets in advance saves time: see prices and practical information for visiting Herculaneum.
16. Going to Capri Island from Naples
If you visit Naples in 4 or 5 days or more, you can discover the lovely island of Capri! Visiting the island can easily take a day. Discover an example of an excursion here: see the prices and departure times. Some tours offer other itineraries with different prices: compare with this cruise from Naples.
17. Visiting the Basilica and the Monastery of Santa Chiara
Built in 1340 in place of the Roman baths, the Basilica of Santa Chiara is the largest Gothic church in Naples. It has a monastery linked. It is a peaceful visit to do on a trip to Naples. The basilica is between the Castelo Nuovo and the historic center of Naples (locate on Google Maps). You can visit it during a walk in the city.
18. Chilling in the Botanical Garden of Naples
Free! Founded in 1807, the botanical garden of Naples today covers 12 hectares. This tour is ideal for taking a break from the hectic city of Naples. Moreover, the visit to the botanical garden is free. The only downside is that it is a little away from the historic center. Nevertheless, it is an excellent opportunity to visit Naples differently and discover other places in the city.
19. Visiting the Church of Sant’Anna dei Lombardi (Church of Saint Anne of the Lombards)
Beautiful! Statues, columns, paintings, etc. What wonderful surprises await you inside this church! The architecture is really worth the detour. Admission is chargeable, but what a pleasure for the eyes!
20. Visiting Sorrento from Naples
If you visit Naples in 5 days or more, spend some time in its surroundings. Sorrento is one of the prettiest towns in the Campania region. Discover more: see prices and timetables for the excursion to Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi from Naples.
Best neighborhoods to visit in Naples
Of course, the historic center is a must-see in Naples. In addition to this very touristy district, you can discover the Spanish neighborhoods or the upscale district of Chiaia.
In addition to these three main districts to visit in Naples, you can see the Vomero district, located on Naples’ heights.
Discover the best places to stay in Naples in our blog post: Where to stay in Naples.
How many days does it take to visit Naples?
It is possible to visit Naples during the weekend for two or three days. However, to discover every beauty (or almost) of Naples and its surroundings, four or five days are more suitable.
Places like Vesuvius, Pompeii, or Capri Island are outside the city. Visiting these places can take time. For example, visiting Vesuvius and Pompeii can take you almost all day.
To take full advantage of all Naples offers, you can opt for a 4 or 5-day trip. You won’t be bored!
Where to eat in Naples? Restaurants’ selection
Discover our selection of good places to eat in Naples. Click on the name to open the location on Google Maps.
La Locanda Gesù Vecchio: a superb restaurant with culinary specialty from the Naples region, located in the heart of the city’s historical center!
Trattoria Nanni: a perfect place to eat in Naples!
Trattoria da Nennella: a canteen atmosphere! The prices are reasonable. The servers dance and sing!
Antica Pizzeria da Michele: a good pizzeria to discover in Naples! You can get pizza to take away. The big plus: wood-fired pizzas, in the most authentical Neapolitan tradition.
Itineraries for visiting Naples in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days
How to visit Naples in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days? Here are some ideas for itineraries!
2 days in Naples: itinerary to do
If you are going to Naples for a short two-day stay, here is an itinerary you can do there.
What to do and see in Naples in 2 days?
- Walk through the small streets of the historic center of Naples
- Visit the Cathedral of Naples (Duomo)
- Discover the impressive Place du Peuple
- Take a tour of the Galleria Umberto I
- Visit the catacombs of Naples
- Taste local specialties (for example, rum baba)
- Take a walk to the Egg Castle
- See the New Castle
Where to stay for a 2-day trip to Naples?
For a 2-day stay in Naples, it is best to stay in the city’s historic center. For example, a B&B with an ideal location is Spaccanapoli B&B City Soul.
3 days in Naples: what to visit?
If you visit Naples in 3 days, here is what you can do on the 3rd day.
What to do and see in Naples in 3 days?
In addition to the 2-day itinerary above:
- Visit Vesuvius and Pompeii (see prices for a guided tour + transport)
Where to stay for a 3-day trip to Naples?
Accommodation in Naples’s historic center is the best option for a 3-day stay. For example, a B&B with an ideal location is Relais San Severo.
4 days in Naples: what to do?
If you visit Naples in 4 days, here is what you can do on the 4th day.
What to do and see in Naples in 4 days?
In addition to the itinerary above:
- Admire a magnificent view of the Bay of Naples from the belvedere of the Chartreuse Saint-Martin
- Visit the Basilica and the Monastery of Santa Chiara
- Take a boat cruise
Where to stay for a 4-day trip to Naples?
For a 4-day stay in Naples, you can stay in the Spanish neighborhood of Naples. For example, in this hotel: Napolit’amo Hotel Principe.
5 days in Naples: what to do, what to see?
If you are going to visit Naples in 5 days, here is what you can do on the 5th day of your trip to Naples
What to do and see in Naples in 5 days?
Visiting the surroundings of Naples:
- Go to Capri Island from Naples (see excursion prices)
- Discover Sorrento and other towns in the region (see prices for this excursion)
Where to stay for a 5-day trip to Naples?
For a 5-day stay in Naples, you can stay in the Spanish quarters of Naples. For example, in this B&B: Borbo de Charme.
The city of Naples offers a wide choice of activities to do and exciting places to visit. If you go to Naples during a 2- or 3-day weekend, you may not have enough time to discover the surroundings. Visiting Naples in 4 days or 5 days is possible, or even more without getting bored. It is a beautiful destination to visit during a trip to Italy!
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